You can put a lien on that property so that if they ever sell or refinance the property you might get paid. To do this, you first need an Abstract of Judgment.In Alameda County, you have not one, but two different sources from the courts to walk you through enforcing a judgment. In California, if you're the person owed money (the creditor), you can place a judgment lien on the debtor's real estate or personal property. If the judgment debtor owns real property, the judgment creditor may place a lien on the property. You have 30 days to respond to a debt lawsuit in California. You must complete the form Claim of Right to Possession and. Notice of Hearing (form CP10) and give it to the sheriff or levying officer. The application must be filed with the superior court in the debtor's county of residence in California. …collecting the money owed is the other half.